Writer: Haden Blackman
Languages: English Dolby Surround 2.0
Subtitles: N/A
Packaging: Lime Green Amaray Keep Case
Levels: 15 Story-Based Missions
Sound: Dolby Stereo Surround Sound
Year of DVD-ROM Release: 2002
Distributor: LucasArts Entertainment Company
ESRB Rating: T For Teen
Reviewer: Mark A. Rivera
“Star Wars Jedi Starfighter” is a sequel to last year’s “Starfighter” game, which has been released for PC and X-BOX gamers alike since it first premiered for the Sony PlayStation 2 Computer Entertainment System. Now Microsoft X-BOX Video Game Console owners can purchase an enhanced version of the game that takes advantage of the enhanced graphics and performance inherent within the X-BOX. The game takes place shortly before the events that unfold in “Star Wars: Episode II: Attack Of The Clones.” As political tension between the Republic and the Confederation of Secessionist Systems grows, Count Dooku cuts a secret deal with Cavik Toth of the Trade Federation to exploit the resource rich Karthakk system.
The Jedi Council dispatches Jedi Master Adi Gallia aboard a new prototype Jedi Starfighter to ascertain the situation. There has been a lone resistance from the alien rogue Nym, who forms an alliance with Gallia in an attempt to prevent the system from falling out of the realm of the Galactic Republic.
LucasArts Entertainment Company has released “Star Wars Jedi Starfighter” as a DVD-ROM to take advantage of the advanced abilities inherent within the X-BOX as well as develop a more complex environment containing clues for things we can expect to learn more about in the forthcoming feature. There are bonus missions that open up throughout the game and an exclusive new Coruscant level as well as the enhanced ability to go head to head against Jango Fett, even in two-player mode. The coolest part of the game is the Jedi Starfighter. A spacecraft that is literally designed for use by a pilot who is adept in using the force, which means no ordinary pilot, can fly this ship. It looks like a little red and white Star Destroyer complete with an insignia that looks a lot like the logo for the future Galactic Empire we have come to know from the classic trilogy.
In two player games, one can operate Nym’s starship powerhouse “The Havoc” against drone fighters and other foes. The missions are setup into three-act structures like mini episodes within a larger series and there are 15 levels in all plus hidden bonuses that are unlocked as specific mission agendas are achieved and there is a training mission for practice as well. Like previous games in the series, music, effects, voice volume, Dolby Surround Sound Volume, and game sensitivity control can be completely customized and saved based on one’s own preferences. There is also no need for memory cards since the X-BOX has a built hard drive. Two-player gameplay adds three extra characters to choose from. They include a Toydarian named Reti, who pilots a modified freighter known as “The Zoomer,” “Jinkins,” a Bith pilot who designed Nym’s “The Havoc” has his own bomber known as “The Freefall,” and the addition of another Jedi Knight by the name of Siri, which means two people can pilot different starfighers cooperatively. The graphics are great, the gameplay is sensational, and documentation included makes getting started a synch. The game features original music from John William’s score for “Attack Of The Clones” as well.
The manual also features an announcement for “Star Wars: Knights Of The Republic,” which takes 4000 years before the events depicted in “Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope” when both Jedi and Sith number in the thousands. The game will arriving exclusively for the Microsoft X-BOX this fall and will be available for preorder at store.lucasarts.com beginning September 1, 2002. “Star Wars Jedi Starfighter” is available now on DVD-ROM for the Microsoft X-BOX Video Game Console. from LucasArts Entertainment Company.
© Copyright 2002 By Mark A. Rivera
All Rights Reserved.